Iconic Irish Names
Irish names carry centuries of history, mythology, and meaning far beyond any single holiday. If you’re searching for a name with depth, charm, and a touch of Celtic magic, these classics are a great place to start!
Irish Boy Names
Liam
Meaning “Desired helmet, protector,” Liam stems from the Irish name Uilliam. While an extremely popular name today, its roots go way back to Ireland’s Gaelic heritage. Today, it’s commonly associated with actor Liam Neeson (who is, in fact, Irish!).
Photo by Georges Biard
Seán
The name Seán means “God is gracious,” and is the Irish form of John. While it’s often associated with actor Sean Connery of James Bond fame, he was actually Scottish.
Fionn / Finn
The name Fionn is associated with the Irish folk hero Fionn mac Cumhaill, a mythical hunter/warrior. It means “Fair” or “Fair-haired.”
Cillian
Meaning “Little church,” this name is pronounced “KILL-ee-an.” It’s often associated with actor Cillian Murphy.
Padraic / Patrick
One of the most quintessential Irish names, Patrick means “Nobleman” and honors the patron saint of Ireland who, according to legend, drove the snakes away from Ireland.
Photo by Nheyob
Cian
Pronounced “KY-an,” Cian is an ancient Irish name meaning, fittingly, “Ancient.” In mythology, Cian was the father of the god Lugh.
Ronan
Meaning “Little seal,” Ronan stems from the Irish word rón (seal). In Irish folklore, seals are considered mystical.
Brendan
The name Brendan means “Prince” or “King” and is associated with Saint Brendan the Navigator, who is known in Irish legend for his travels across the Atlantic.
Declan
Saint Declan was an Irish missionary believed to have introduced Christianity to Ireland even before St. Patrick. The name means “Full of goodness.”
Connor
Meaning “Descendent of hound,” Connor is often associated in Irish legend with Conchobar mac Nessa, king of Ulster. In fact, the name Connor actually comes from Conchobar, which means “Lover of hounds.”
Ciarán
Ciarán means “Black” or “Little dark one.”
Irish Girl Names
Saoirse
Pronounced “SEER-sha,” Saoirse means “Freedom.” This name is often associated with actress Saoirse Ronan.
Erin
One of the most recognized Irish girl names, Erin stems from the Gaelic name for Ireland itself, Éirinn.
Aoife
Aoife, pronounced “EE-fa,” means “Beautiful, radiant.” It comes from the Gaelic word for beauty, aoibh. In Irish mythology, Aoife was a warrior princess known for her skill and strength.
Niamh
Meaning “Bright” or “Radiant,” Niamh is pronounced “Neev.” In mythology, Niamh is the daughter of the god of the sea (Manannán mac Lir) and a queen of Tír na nÓg, the land of eternal youth. Legend also has it that she brought Oisín to the land of eternal youth.
Siobhán
Siobhán – pronounced “Shi-VAWN” – is the Irish form of Joan. It means “God is gracious.”
Brigid
Meaning “Exalted, lofty,” Brigid is the name of the Celtic goddess of poetry, healing,and fire, and of one of Ireland’s most beloved saints, Saint Brigid of Kildare.
Maeve
The name Maeve means “Intoxicating” and is often associated with the mythological Irish goddess, Queen Maeve of Connacht.
Orla
Orla means “Golden princess” and stems from a combination of Irish words ór (gold) and flaith (princess or ruler).
Clodagh
Clodagh is the name of an Irish river – the River Clodagh – giving it a nature-inspired vibe that invokes the gorgeous Irish landscape.
Sinéad
Pronounced “Shi-NAYD,” this name is an Irish version of Jane and means “God is gracious.” It’s commonly associated with late Irish musician Sinéad O’Connor.
Deirdre
Meaning “She who chatters,” this name is connected with a tragic heroine in Irish legend known as “Deirdre of the Sorrows.”
Gender Neutral Irish Names
Shannon
Another river-related name, Shannon has ties to the River Shannon and works for any gender.
Rowan
Rowan, which means “Little red one,” is associated with the rowan tree, known to hold protective powers in Celtic folklore. Rowan Atkinson is the actor who portrays Mr. Bean.
Casey
Casey stems from the Irish surname Ó Cathasaigh and means “Vigilant in war.”
Rory
Meaning “Red king,” the name Rory was historically a name given to warriors or kings, but today is increasingly used for any gender. Today, it’s often associated with golfer Rory McIlroy or the character Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls.
Kelly
Kelly comes from the Irish surname Ó Ceallaigh and means “Bright-headed.
Krystin Morgan is a writer, career consultant, and talent acquisition professional living in Seattle, WA with her husband, daughter, and dog. She's been obsessed with names since childhood, when she spent hours with friends poring over baby name books to find the meaning of every name they could think of.
